Kasettl, a special costume in Tyrol

The renaissance of the regional festival costume

On High Holy Days tradition-conscious women in the Wilder Kaiser wear the Kasettl, a special festival costume of the region, at least over two centuries old. When women in the Wilder Kaiser don their Kasettl, some parts or accessories are indeed from that time. These precious dresses and the hats and decorative items which go with them, are handed down from generation to generation, and are kept as cherished possessions. "Tradition is passing on the flame, not worshipping the ashes", says Elisabeth Bliem. Söll's local farmer matriarch is all the more delighted that in the village more than seventy women are wearing the Kasettl again and thereby reflecting on their own culture and centuries-old customs.

Only on special days

It is on all High Holy Days in particular, such as 'Hohe Frauentag' on 15th August, processions for the harvest festival, funerals or weddings, that the Kasettl is worn. Elisabeth Bliem for example married in the costume and has remained an enthusiastic Kasettl wearer. Even if the costume - the name Kasettl derives from corset - is tight and also has its pitfalls. You cannot move your head freely. You have to keep it up straight, just as men who wore top hats used to do. However, standing up straight looks very good - ultimately you wear a Kasettl with pride.

Neck band and hair slide

In addition to the hat with its sumptuous gold tassels and the almost full-length ribbons, other accessories are a part of the Kasettl - for instance the neck band with its extra wide centre section and the hair slide. Floral decoration should of course also feature. There are very few dressmakers and hat makers who know how the proper Kasettl skirt and hat are made. As long as there are women like Elisabeth Bliem, who wear this costume for pleasure and as an act of conviction, this piece of regional tradition will certainly stay alive and well.